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We love Crans-Montana’s wide views, its pretty slopes and some of its mountain restaurants and smart lodgings. It’s just a shame that the place is more like a city than a rustic village, and that the slopes get the southern sun.

Set on a broad shelf facing south across the Rhône valley, Crans and Montana are two towns, their centres a mile apart and their fringes merging. The resort can be reached by funicular railway from Sierre. There are also lodgings a mile east at the lift base of Les Barzettes (aka Les Violettes, the name of the hill) and further out at Aminona. Outings are possible – to Saas-Fee and Verbier, for example.

We like

We don't like

Snow is badly affected by the sun
Large, busy, urban resort
You may need a car or buses
Few challenges except off-piste

Village charm

Both Crans and Montana are emphatically towns rather than villages, with little traditional Alpine character and a lot of traffic. But the wooded setting softens the urban feel a bit. Crans is the more upmarket part, with fancy shops, several 5-star hotels and a pedestrian-friendly centre.

Convenience

The towns spread widely away from their respective gondola stations, and many visitors need to use cars or the free shuttle-bus.

Scenery

The panoramic views over the Rhône valley to the peaks bordering Italy are breathtaking.